Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo EX30
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Level: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 9 Nov 2026, price 28 Oct 2026
Mercedes-Benz GLC
6 of 27 standard · no option data · 21 no dataFrom
$89,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Petrol
- Engine
- Petrol
- Power
- 150kW
- Economy
- 7.5 L/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 600L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Volvo EX30
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$49,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 200kW
- Energy use
- 16.6 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2024
- Boot (seats up)
- 318L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$89,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$49,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
Mercedes-Benz GLC GLC200 4MATIC
$89,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $393 a week in repayments ($89,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor
$49,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 28 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $208 a week in repayments ($49,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Volvo EX30 starts $39,910 lower on RRP.
The Volvo EX30 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Mercedes-Benz GLC does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
CarSorted
Looking for your next car?
We help you research it, compare it and ask for a price.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$208/wk(≈$902/mo)
Estimate on the Volvo EX30 at $49,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Volvo EX30Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 5 stars (2022) and the Volvo EX30 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 88% for the Volvo EX30, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volvo EX30, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 6 in the Volvo EX30.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 0 of 10 key systems on the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 5 on the Volvo EX30.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006414 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the steering coupling bolts may not meet specifications and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-006318 · published 28 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the high-voltage starter generator may experience an intermittent overload, which could deactivate functions of the system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- 26 more on the model page.
Volvo EX30
- REC-006745 · published 19 Oct 2026The front seat head restraints may not have been manufactured to specifications.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006633 · published 26 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, some of the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006551 · published 26 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
49kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with panoramic roof and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo EX30 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 483mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 282L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLC leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Volvo EX30's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 11.0 m against 11.9 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30).
Where each one leads
The Mercedes-Benz GLC: the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 318L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,600kg).
The Volvo EX30: the lower starting price ($49,990 against $89,900) and more power (200kW against 150kW).
The Verdict
Level: here's what splits them
The Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) and Volvo EX30 (76) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: value (Volvo EX30 ahead by 24 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 15 points), performance (Volvo EX30 ahead by 13 points). Boot space with the seats up: 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, 318L in the Volvo EX30.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$208/wk(≈$902/mo)
Estimate on the Volvo EX30 at $49,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Volvo EX30Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLC by $39,910.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Mercedes-Benz GLC holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and Volvo EX30 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the largest boot at 600L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX30 makes the most power at 200kW. The Volvo EX30 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
Track the Mercedes-Benz GLC & Volvo EX30
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
